Canada-wide warrant issued for B.C. mom in alleged
abduction

RCMP suspect woman may have taken baby to Toronto

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Police across the country are looking for a woman who allegedly abducted her
nine-month-old baby daughter in Maple Ridge, B.C.

RCMP are concerned about the safety of nine-month-old Annabella, who
was taken from B.C. to Toronto Monday by her mother, in contravention of
a custodial order. (RCMP)

Josee Villeneuve, 34, failed to return the baby to her father, who has
custody, by 7 p.m. Monday, RCMP said Wednesday. Investigators believe she
took a flight from Vancouver airport to Pearson International Airport in
Toronto with the girl.

"The mother has violated a court order, taking her nine-month-old baby
out of the province. At this point, she's believed to be in Eastern Canada,"
said Cpl. Ryan Schlecker, a spokesman for Ridge Meadows RCMP.

Investigators told CBC News that Villeneuve has had suicidal tendencies
in the past and there are concerns she could harm herself or the baby.

RCMP
are looking for Josee Villeneuve, 34, after she failed to return her
daughter to the custodial father by 7 p.m. Monday. (RCMP)

"I'm just worried for the safety of my child … Please call us. Call 911.
Let us know that both of you guys are safe," said Andrew Wong, father of
Annabella Villeneuve.

Police said the mother has family in Montreal and Calgary.

"Anytime someone does not abide by a court order, police have cause for
concern." Schlecker said.

"There are other factors that I cannot discuss at this time that also
have us concerned. We are appealing to Josee to do the right thing and turn
herself in to the nearest police agency, and hand Annabella over."

Villeneuve is described as a white female, 5-foot-4, 120 pounds. She has
blue eyes and blonde hair.